fears After years of planning, building plans at Clitheroe Parish Church have received a new impetus with help from the Lancaster Foundation. Faced with the challenge of a growing congregation of young families and following the financial blow of the still-ongoing spire work, the church is now able again to plan for the future.
Under the proposals agreed by the Parochial Church Council and the Foundation Trustees and now to be approved by Blackburn Diocesan authorities, the Lancaster Foundation will purchase the parish hall, the St Mary’s Centre and offer an initial lease until 2016 at a peppercorn rate. Funding released will allow the church to plan and build new facilities to welcome newcomers.
Revd Andy Froud cautioned: "I'm very excited about the possibilities this offer brings for our church and the community; but this is only the start of a long road of more planning and building. But I feel privileged to be here at a time when we are seeing amazing growth in our congregation and can now move forward in our plans to accommodate children and young people. Anyone who wants to see what's going on just needs to call in at 10 any Sunday morning."
The St Mary's Centre will continue to be managed and operated as usual and is committed to grow its use.. Anyone wishing to book the Centre for charity events, parties or community events should phone 01200 425522. Any further enquiries should be directed to Revd Andy Froud 0796 957 6691.
Revd Froud paid tribute to the hard work and dedication of the team of volunteers headed by Richard Jackson who have run the former Sunday School since 2008, on behalf of the church: "I believe that the management committee of the St Mary's Centre have shown the need and possibilities for a community venue in Clitheroe and look forward to working with them in expanding the use of this building.”